Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
Ex-NFL WR advocates for 49ers to trade Brandon Aiyuk: “Let that man be free”
Mar 23, 2024 at 2:38 PM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
recently hinted that he
might consider playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers if the San Francisco 49ers are unwilling to offer him a contract extension at market value and opt to trade him to the AFC team. Of course, that could be a negotiating tactic from Aiyuk's camp as the 49ers work to sign the receiver to a contract extension.
That doesn't mean San Francisco isn't willing to talk to interested teams. The team
reportedly sought the No. 17 overall pick and a player from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Aiyuk, but no deal materialized.
49ers insider Matt Barrows of The Athletic suggests Aiyuk could be available for the right offer before or during the draft.
"
The 49ers kept their phone lines open before, and especially during, the draft to see what kind of offers
[WR Deebo] Samuel would bring [in 2022]," Barrows wrote. "They got draft-day proposals from the New York Jets and Detroit Lions, but the 49ers didn't budge. They were solid offers (especially the Jets') but the 49ers needed to be blown away to let go of Samuel, who was coming off his incredible 2021 campaign.
"I think a similar scenario is in play for Aiyuk, who has excellent chemistry with
Brock Purdy: The 49ers will listen to offers but it will take something monumental to let him go."
Former NFL star wide receiver DeSean Jackson believes that the 49ers should consider trading Aiyuk if they can't reach an agreement on a contract extension soon.
"I think it's going to be hard for him to stay in San Francisco, obviously, with him going on his fifth year," Jackson recently told Kay Adams on the "Up & Adams" show. "I don't think they'll be able to get a deal [done]. ... Yeah, let that man be free and go get another deal somewhere else because, in your fifth year, you're really supposed to get that extension.
"I don't think he wants to go play a whole other season and wait to go get another bag or go secure his bag. So, in this perspective, I definitely see him trying to reach to get up out of there."
Aiyuk is coming off a career year. He achieved his second consecutive 1,000-yard season with a team-leading 1,342 receiving yards in 2023.
Regarding the speculation linking Aiyuk to Pittsburgh, a move Steelers fans would welcome with open arms, Jackson stated, "If it is a fit, I mean, hey,
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Aiyuk over there. They just lost Diontae Johnson. They traded Diontae Johnson to Carolina, so they need another receiver. I definitely like that."
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Insider provides clarity on 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors
A questionable rumor surfaced on Wednesday regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Sports Illustrated contributor Noah Strackbein reported that the AFC team was seemingly confident they could pull off a trade for Aiyuk.
However, the credibility of this report comes into question due to the assertion that the Steelers believe they could acquire Aiyuk at a bargain price, possibly in exchange for a second-round draft pick and a late-round selection.
RELATED: Steelers believe they can acquire Aiyuk at a
Why one analyst is worried for Brock Purdy if 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, setting a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. This accomplishment is noteworthy, considering the illustrious quarterbacks who have graced the organization's history.
A significant portion of those yards came from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who amassed a career-high and team-leading 1,342 receiving yards. Most of his 75 catches originated from passes thrown by Purdy.
Amidst significant offseason chatter surrounding the 49ers' star receiver, including several unsubstantiated trade rumors, Aiyuk's future remains uncertain. Former NFL player James Jones, now an analyst, expressed concern for Purdy should Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area come to an end.
"I
Silver: New 49ers intel reveals potential Brandon Aiyuk trade still in play
When asked about the possibility of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk not being on the San Francisco 49ers roster on Friday morning, general manager John Lynch responded, "I wouldn't anticipate that."
Lynch assured reporters that signing Aiyuk to a long-term extension is a priority, stating, "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
While Lynch didn't elaborate on the conversations occurring behind closed doors, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that a potential trade remains a
Garafolo: Sources continue to insist Brandon Aiyuk hasn't requested trade from 49ers
With the 2024 NFL Draft just two days away, there have yet to be significant updates regarding Brandon Aiyuk's status. While the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver remains away from the team, efforts for a contract extension persist.
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo addressed the situation, confirming that Aiyuk has not yet requested a trade from the 49ers, according to sources. Recently, the receiver's agent, Ryan Williams, refuted a report claiming otherwise.
"Now, let's be crystal clear. Sources continue to insist that
